Which fad diets have stood the test of time. How do popular weight loss plans compare. What are the benefits and drawbacks of famous diets. Which diet is best suited for your health goals.

The South Beach Diet: A Cardiologist’s Approach to Weight Loss

The South Beach Diet, designed by Florida cardiologist Dr. Arthur Agatston, aims to protect patients from serious health conditions like heart disease and diabetes. This popular diet focuses on controlling hunger by eating before it strikes, disrupting the typical “hunger-overeat-gain-weight” cycle.

How does the South Beach Diet work? It emphasizes cutting out bad carbohydrates and focusing on:

• Lean protein
• Low-fat dairy
• Good carbs (whole grains, vegetables, and fruit)

The diet consists of three phases:

1. A strict initial phase
2. A more moderate second phase
3. A “Maintenance” phase designed as a lifelong eating plan

The final phase allows for occasional treats while maintaining a healthy weight. This approach makes the South Beach Diet more sustainable in the long run compared to more restrictive fad diets.

Weight Watchers (WW): A Time-Tested Approach to Balanced Eating

Weight Watchers, now known as WW, has been a popular diet plan for over 40 years. Its core principles have remained consistent despite evolving over time:

• Eat a balanced diet
• Practice moderation
• Enjoy foods you like

How does the WW system work? It utilizes a points system to track food intake and provides motivation through:

• Local support meetings with weigh-ins
• Virtual meetings for online participants

While the high level of flexibility can be challenging for some dieters, WW’s long-standing success and popularity speak to its effectiveness. The program’s emphasis on balance and moderation aligns with sustainable weight loss principles recommended by health professionals.

The Mediterranean Diet: Heart-Healthy Eating Inspired by Coastal Cultures

The Mediterranean Diet draws inspiration from the traditional eating habits of people living in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, such as Greece and Italy. This heart-healthy approach to eating has gained recognition for its potential health benefits and enjoyable food choices.

What does the Mediterranean Diet emphasize?

• Heart-healthy fats (unsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids)
• Seafood
• Nuts and legumes
• Fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Olive oil
• Red wine in moderation

Research has shown that following a Mediterranean-style diet may reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers. Its emphasis on whole, unprocessed foods and plant-based meals makes it a nutritionally sound and sustainable approach to eating.

The Zone Diet: Balancing Macronutrients for Optimal Health

The Zone Diet, popularized by biochemist Dr. Barry Sears, aims to reduce inflammation in the body by maintaining a specific balance of macronutrients. This diet has gained attention from celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, contributing to its popularity.

How does the Zone Diet work? It recommends balancing each meal or snack with:

• 30% protein
• 30% fat
• 40% carbohydrates

Proponents of the Zone Diet claim that this macronutrient balance can help:

• Promote weight loss
• Reset metabolism
• Ward off chronic health conditions

While the Zone Diet’s emphasis on balance can be beneficial, critics argue that its strict macronutrient ratios may be difficult to maintain long-term and could lead to nutrient deficiencies if not carefully planned.

The Atkins Diet: Low-Carb Pioneer in the World of Fad Diets

The Atkins Diet, introduced by Dr. Robert Atkins in the 1970s, is one of the most well-known low-carbohydrate diets. It has gone through several iterations over the years but maintains its focus on reducing carbohydrate intake to promote weight loss and improve metabolic health.

What are the key principles of the Atkins Diet?

• Drastically reduce carbohydrate intake
• Increase protein and fat consumption
• Gradually reintroduce carbs in later phases
• Focus on whole, unprocessed foods

The diet is divided into four phases:

1. Induction: Extreme carb restriction
2. Balancing: Slowly add more nuts, low-carb vegetables, and small amounts of fruit
3. Fine-tuning: Introduce more carbs as you approach your goal weight
4. Maintenance: Find the right carb balance to maintain your weight

While many people experience rapid weight loss on the Atkins Diet, especially in the initial phases, concerns exist about its long-term sustainability and potential health impacts of high fat intake. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any restrictive diet plan.

The Paleo Diet: Eating Like Our Ancient Ancestors

The Paleo Diet, short for Paleolithic Diet, is based on the premise of eating foods that our hunter-gatherer ancestors would have consumed. This approach eliminates processed foods, grains, legumes, and dairy, focusing instead on whole, unprocessed foods that would have been available to early humans.

What foods are encouraged on the Paleo Diet?

• Lean meats and fish
• Fruits and vegetables
• Nuts and seeds
• Healthy oils (e.g., olive oil, coconut oil)

Proponents of the Paleo Diet claim it can lead to:

• Weight loss
• Improved blood sugar control
• Better heart health
• Reduced inflammation

While the emphasis on whole foods and elimination of processed items can be beneficial, critics argue that the diet unnecessarily restricts certain food groups and may be difficult to sustain long-term. Additionally, the historical accuracy of the diet’s premises has been questioned by some anthropologists and nutritionists.

The Keto Diet: High-Fat, Low-Carb Approach to Weight Loss

The Ketogenic Diet, commonly known as the Keto Diet, is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has gained significant popularity in recent years. Originally developed as a treatment for epilepsy in children, it has since been adapted for weight loss and other potential health benefits.

How does the Keto Diet work? By drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with fat, the body enters a metabolic state called ketosis. In this state, the body becomes efficient at burning fat for energy.

A typical ketogenic diet consists of:

• 70-80% fat
• 20-25% protein
• 5-10% carbohydrates

Potential benefits of the Keto Diet include:

• Rapid weight loss
• Improved insulin sensitivity
• Reduced inflammation
• Potential neuroprotective effects

However, the Keto Diet is not without controversy. Critics point out potential risks such as nutrient deficiencies, liver problems, and the “keto flu” – a collection of symptoms that may occur as the body adapts to the diet. As with any significant dietary change, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting a ketogenic diet.

Intermittent Fasting: Time-Restricted Eating for Weight Loss

Intermittent Fasting (IF) is not a diet in the traditional sense, but rather an eating pattern that cycles between periods of fasting and eating. This approach has gained popularity due to its potential benefits for weight loss and overall health.

Common intermittent fasting methods include:

• 16/8 method: 16 hours of fasting, 8-hour eating window
• 5:2 diet: Eating normally for 5 days, restricting calories to 500-600 for 2 non-consecutive days
• Eat-Stop-Eat: 24-hour fasts once or twice a week

Proponents of intermittent fasting claim it can lead to:

• Weight loss
• Improved insulin sensitivity
• Increased human growth hormone production
• Cellular repair processes (autophagy)

While some studies have shown promising results, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of intermittent fasting. It’s important to note that this approach may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with a history of eating disorders or certain medical conditions.

The DASH Diet: Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension

The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Diet was developed by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to prevent and control high blood pressure. While not primarily designed for weight loss, many people find that they lose weight as a side effect of following this healthy eating plan.

Key components of the DASH Diet include:

• Emphasizing fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Including fat-free or low-fat dairy products, fish, poultry, beans, nuts, and vegetable oils
• Limiting foods high in saturated fat, such as fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, and tropical oils
• Reducing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and sweets

The DASH Diet recommends specific servings of different food groups based on a person’s daily caloric needs. It also emphasizes reducing sodium intake to help lower blood pressure.

Benefits of the DASH Diet may include:

• Lowered blood pressure
• Reduced risk of heart disease and stroke
• Improved insulin sensitivity
• Weight loss or maintenance

The DASH Diet is widely recommended by health professionals due to its balanced approach and focus on overall health rather than rapid weight loss. Its principles align closely with general healthy eating guidelines, making it a sustainable long-term option for many people.

The Vegetarian and Vegan Diets: Plant-Based Approaches to Health

Vegetarian and vegan diets have gained popularity not only for ethical and environmental reasons but also for their potential health benefits. While these diets are not inherently designed for weight loss, many people find that adopting a plant-based eating pattern can lead to weight loss and improved overall health.

What’s the difference between vegetarian and vegan diets?

• Vegetarian diets exclude meat, fish, and poultry but may include dairy and eggs
• Vegan diets exclude all animal products, including dairy, eggs, and honey

Potential health benefits of plant-based diets include:

• Lower risk of heart disease
• Reduced risk of certain cancers
• Better weight management
• Improved blood sugar control
• Lower blood pressure

However, it’s important to note that simply eliminating animal products doesn’t guarantee a healthy diet. Vegetarian and vegan diets should be well-planned to ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients such as protein, vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids.

When adopting a plant-based diet for weight loss or health reasons, focus on whole, minimally processed plant foods rather than relying heavily on processed vegan alternatives or high-calorie plant foods.

Choosing the Right Diet: Factors to Consider

With so many popular diets and weight loss plans available, how can you determine which one is right for you? Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating different diets:

Personal Health Goals

Are you primarily focused on weight loss, or do you have other health concerns such as managing diabetes or reducing heart disease risk? Different diets may be more suitable depending on your specific health goals.

Sustainability

Can you see yourself following this diet long-term? Diets that are overly restrictive or difficult to maintain may lead to yo-yo dieting and frustration. Look for an eating plan that you can realistically stick to over time.

Nutritional Balance

Does the diet provide a balance of essential nutrients? Be wary of plans that eliminate entire food groups or rely heavily on supplements, as they may lead to nutrient deficiencies.

Lifestyle Compatibility

Consider how well the diet fits with your daily routine, food preferences, and social life. A diet that requires extensive meal preparation or restricts eating out may be challenging for someone with a busy lifestyle.

Scientific Evidence

Look for diets backed by scientific research rather than those based solely on anecdotal evidence or celebrity endorsements. Reputable health organizations often provide reviews of popular diets.

Personal Health Conditions

If you have any existing health conditions or take medications, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new diet. Some eating plans may interact with certain medications or be unsuitable for specific health conditions.

Support and Resources

Consider whether you prefer a diet with structured support (like Weight Watchers) or if you’re comfortable managing on your own. Also, look into what resources are available, such as meal plans, recipes, or online communities.

Remember, the best diet is one that you can stick to long-term and that promotes overall health, not just short-term weight loss. It’s often helpful to consult with a registered dietitian who can provide personalized advice based on your individual needs and health status.

Ultimately, many health professionals agree that the most effective “diet” is not a diet at all, but rather a balanced, sustainable eating pattern that emphasizes whole foods, portion control, and mindful eating. By focusing on developing healthy habits rather than following restrictive rules, you’re more likely to achieve lasting results and improve your overall well-being.

The 10 Most Famous Fad Diets of All Time

We take a look at 10 popular weight loss plans: The benefits, the downsides, and whether it’s the right match for your health goals.

By Debbie StrongMedically Reviewed by Kelly Kennedy, RDN

Reviewed: January 16, 2018

Medically Reviewed

Which diet will you choose?

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Many Americans claim to watch what they eat and even try to improve their eating habits. Many tell of starting (or restarting) a diet, hoping their intentions do not fail again. In honor of all those good intentions, we’ve compiled a list of 10 of the most popular diets out there — weight loss plans and fad diets that have stood the test of time and helped countless people lose weight successfully.

When it comes to fad diets, it’s not hard to find popular diets on the internet. Just google the words “diet” or “fad diet” and the weight loss choices are overwhelming. Low-carb, high-protein, or liquid diet? There are so many. That’s why it’s important to choose one that’s just right for you, according to the Mayo Clinic. Start by talking to your doctor.

Your primary care physician can review any health conditions you have and medications you are taking, and then give personal guidance for a diet that might work for you. Whether you want to try the keto, paleo, Atkins or macrobiotic diets, your doctor can help you determine which one is best — and worst — for your body.

The Mayo Clinic suggests considering your personal needs before you start a new fad diet or popular diet. Here are some key factors to think about:

• Have you ever dieted before?
• Can you follow a strict diet?
• Which diet worked for you in the past?
• How did you feel on the diet — mentally, physically, and emotionally?
• Do you like to diet alone?
• Do you need diet support from a group?
• Do you like to have online support?
• Do you like to go to diet support group meetings?
• Does your budget allow for special diet supplements?
• Do you prefer using weight loss clinics?
• Can you afford special diet food or beverages?
• Are you limited by any health conditions?

Most importantly, before jumping into a fad diet it’s essential to know that rapid weight loss is not sustainable. Quick weight loss diets are not healthy, and the weight is likely to rebound when you begin eating normally again. Diets that claim you don’t have to exercise are not the best for your overall health. And if you cannot stay on a fad diet or popular diet the rest of your life, it’s better not to start.

If you’re still shopping around for the best diet plan for your needs and lifestyle, one of these top 10 just might be the right pick for you.

South Beach Diet Helps Control Hunger

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Designed by a Florida-based cardiologist, Arthur Agatston, MD, who wanted to protect his patients from serious medical conditions like heart disease and diabetes, the South Beach diet is one of the popular diets that stresses the importance of controlling hunger by eating before it strikes. Dieters are urged to disrupt the typical “hunger-overeat-gain-weight” cycle by cutting out bad carbs and focusing on lean protein, low-fat dairy, and good carbs — whole grains, vegetables, and fruit. While the first phase of the diet is strict, the third, “Maintenance,” phase is meant to be a lifelong eating plan that allows you to enjoy occasional treats while maintaining a healthy weight.

Weight Watchers Has a Track Record of Diet Success

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Though the Weight Watchers system (now called WW) has evolved over the years, this popular diet’s tenets have remained the same: Eat a balanced diet, eat in moderation, and eat what you want. The diet uses a points system to track what you eat and provides motivation through local support meetings with weigh-ins (or dieters can attend “virtual meetings” online). Though the high level of flexibility and temptation can be difficult for some, WW has had a great track record of success for more than 40 years and remains one of the most popular diets today.

The Mediterranean Diet Emphasizes Heart-Healthy Fats

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If a dinner of fish and veggies with a glass of red wine sounds like an ideal meal to you, you may have found your diet match in the Mediterranean diet. This heart-healthy diet includes the food staples of people in countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, such as Greece and Italy. With an emphasis on heart-healthy fats — those containing unsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids — the diet is rich in seafood, nuts and legumes, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and olive oil, as well as red wine in moderation.

Zone Diet Balances Proteins and Carbs

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Celebs like Jennifer Aniston may come to mind when you think of the Zone diet, which maintains that changing the balance of the foods you eat (mainly, adding protein to balance the carbs at every meal or snack) will help you lose weight, reset your metabolism, and ward off chronic health conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Dieters follow a “30-30-40” breakdown to help control insulin levels and hunger, getting 30 percent of their calories from protein, 30 percent from fat, and 40 percent from carbohydrates. Devotees give the Zone diet praise for variety and ease of use, though others warn that the popular diet plan can feel restrictive and is light on certain nutrients.

Is the Atkins Diet a Fad Diet?

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No longer a diet of all-you-can-eat bacon and scrambled eggs, the New Atkins Diet Revolution — created in 2002 — is a streamlined version of the original diet, one that balances lean protein with controlled portions of fat and healthy carbs. One of the most popular diets, you begin with just 20 grams of carbs a day and very gradually increase the amount each week. As with many other diets, the main idea is to stop eating foods made with refined flour and sugar, but even nutrient-dense whole-grain foods are off-limits until you reach the maintenance phase. While proponents tout the Atkins diet’s short-term effectiveness and say it’s easier to stick to than other diets, detractors point out that you’re really not getting a well-balanced diet and may particularly be lacking calcium.

The Paleo Diet May Be Difficult to Maintain

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In its purest form, the Paleolithic diet — more commonly known as the paleo diet or the “caveman diet” — allows only those foods that humans ate when we first roamed the planet, half a million years ago: Fish, lean meats, fruit, nonstarchy veggies, and nuts are in; starchy veggies, dairy foods, grains, and processed foods are out. Because of its straightforward guidelines, focus on nutrient-rich produce, and emphasis on exercise, the paleo diet has earned a loyal following among fans who say it helps them not only lose weight but get — and stay — healthier. However, experts say the long-term results aren’t proven and the diet is difficult to maintain.

Lose Weight and Feel Full on the Volumetrics Diet

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Losing weight by eating fewer calories yet still feeling full — does that sound like the ideal diet for you? Perhaps try Volumetrics, which proposes that foods that contain more water, such as fruits and vegetables, are healthier because they have lower energy density than sugary and fatty foods. Less a fad diet than an approach to eating, Volumetrics is backed by sound research and strongly promotes eating to feel full; drawbacks include an emphasis on at-home cooking, which can be a big adjustment for some.

The Raw Food Diet May Lack Healthy Nutrients

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Advocates of the raw food diet believe that cooking food and thereby breaking down its enzymes destroys many of its nutritional benefits. Restricting food to raw items or food that is cooked or heated to no more than 118° Fahrenheit, this fad diet plan allows you to eat as much as you want, as often as you want as long as it’s raw and vegetarian. Though nutritionists praise the focus on fresh produce and avoidance of processed foods, many say the diet is lacking in nutrients and is difficult to sustain.

Nutrisystem Is Customized Just for You

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If you desire a diet where the thinking and planning is done for you, Nutrisystem may be for you. With this fad diet plan, the meals are premade and engineered to deliver only a certain amount of calories per day based on your age and gender. While weight loss success is certainly possible — it’s an easy, popular diet plan to stick to because everything is done for you, and it’s customizable — a major drawback is the cost of the packaged meals.

The Macrobiotic Diet May Be Rigid and Unhealthy

Jill Chen/Stocksy

The macrobiotic diet used to be one of the most popular diets years back. It promotes whole foods over processed foods and encourages meditation and slowing down your lifestyle along with your eating habits. Meals consist primarily of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, so weight loss is achievable, but naysayers caution that this plan’s rigid guidelines make it difficult to maintain and can even lead to nutritional deficiencies. As with many diets, it’s important to do plenty of research before adopting a macrobiotic lifestyle, and to work with a dietitian to ensure all your nutritional needs are being met.

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MedBlog

Diet and Nutrition;

Prevention

January 26, 2022

Diet and Nutrition;

Prevention

Bethany Agusala, M. D.

Internal Medicine – General Internal Medicine

Every January, people around the country get geared up for their “new year, new you” diet resolutions. They jump on the latest trends – from paleo to keto to intermittent fasting – and often last just a few weeks before resuming old habits.

If you routinely find yourself on this rollercoaster, it’s not necessarily your fault. A “diet” is considered a temporary, restrictive eating pattern that might help someone meet a short-term goal, such as losing 10 pounds before a social event.

However, long-term, daily habits have the biggest impact on our health. Instead of focusing on quick wins this year, try our two-step action plan to find a sustainable, healthy eating pattern that incorporates a variety of foods rich in nutrition and flavor. But first, let’s discuss nine diets that are popular right now – and a few things to think about if you try one of them.

Diet trends – what works and what doesn’t

Does the keto diet allow unlimited steak? Is all vegan food healthy? With so many diet plans to choose from, I understand why many patients have a tough time finding an eating plan that works. To help simplify the confusion, click on the nine diet trends represented here – and we’ll discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of each.

Step 1.

Identify why you want to change your diet

When considering a new diet plan, try specifying the reason you want to eat differently, which will help you follow new eating patterns more consistently. And if you slip back into old habits, you’ll have a firm reminder of why you wanted to change in the first place.

Your initial reason to try a new eating plan might be to lose weight. If so, try to be more specific and ask yourself:

• Why do you want to lose weight? Is it solely because you want to look thinner?
• Or is it for health reasons, such as lowering your risk of heart disease or breast cancer?
• What other adjustments will you pair with dietary changes? After all, weight loss is about more than eating fewer calories; genetic, lifestyle, environmental, and physical and mental health factors all contribute to weight gain and should be considered when pursuing weight loss.

Another reason might be to align your diet with personal values. Some people choose to eat fewer animal products or more locally sourced foods for ethical reasons or to reduce their impact on climate change.

Whatever is motivating you, base your lifestyle changes on the desire to feel better mentally and physically – not because your friend is trying a new diet or a family member criticized your food choices during a holiday dinner.

Once you have a solid reason, it’s time to choose the best eating plan for you.

Related reading: Chew on this: Is food friend or foe for better health?

Step 2. Plan for long-term diet changes

Sustainability is usually the determining factor in whether people meet their dietary goals. Restrictive plans that cut out entire food groups generally produce short-term results at best. They also can cause nutritional deficiencies and lead to eating disorders due to cyclical binging and starving, not to mention a fixation on the amount of calories consumed and weight lost.

The simpler the eating plan, the longer you’ll stick with it. A plant-based diet, for example, is easy to remember and adapt to different cuisines.

Not to be confused with a vegan or vegetarian diet, plant-based means most of your meals include vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, whole grains, and seeds. Meat and processed foods are not off limits – just recommended in limited amounts. Eating more greens is also recommended by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine to help prevent and treat chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

Regardless of the plan you choose to follow, be sure to build in flexibility. Have a goal of eating healthier 80-90% of the time, not 24/7. Whether you enjoy cake at a wedding or pizza during family game night, it’s fine to enjoy an occasional treat.

Related reading: Farm to table: Rediscovering a simple, practical approach to food

Seek medical advice for safe eating tips

New Year’s resolutions likely will dominate conversations with friends and colleagues for the next couple months. Remember: Your body’s response to an eating pattern will not be the same as anyone else’s, no matter how much your friend or favorite celebrity raves about their diet.

To safely and effectively achieve your goals of eating healthier and feeling better, talk with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian about which eating plan might work best for you long term. We can help you modify or develop an evidence-based diet plan that matches your culture, lifestyle, and health needs – and that you can easily stick to throughout the year.

To visit with a nutrition expert, call 214-645-8300 or request an appointment online.

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Dietary fads: six deadly ways to lose weight

“Crazy, vicious and dangerous” Lord Byron was the most prominent gentleman of the 19th century. Most of the men wanted to be like him, and most of the women were in love with him, including his own half-sister, who was rumored to have given birth to an illegitimate child by him.

The archetype of the Byronic hero was described as “a person proud, sullen, cynical, with contempt on his forehead and sorrow in his heart, implacable in revenge, but capable of loving deeply and strongly.” In other words, Byron was a rebel, and nothing good ever comes of that.

Byron was also extremely concerned about his figure, so he “invented” his own diet to look thin and fragile, as befits a poet. His diet included tea and potatoes soaked in vinegar. And also Byron deliberately wore several layers of clothing to drive off extra calories with sweat. It would not be superfluous to say that, in addition, he suffered from bulimia – he could eat to satiety, and then induce vomiting and thus get rid of what he had eaten.

For many young people, Byron was an idol, so they tried to imitate him, including in gastronomic preferences. The older generation, on the other hand, considered such behavior frivolous and believed that Byron had a bad influence on immature minds and their eating habits, which could lead to weakness and sickness.

Tapeworm Diet

This diet might remind you of Maria Callas, although some people think it’s just an urban legend. However, sometimes people resort to such drastic methods of losing weight, although the sale of tapeworms for this purpose is considered illegal. All you have to do is swallow a pill that contains the head of a tapeworm, and then it will grow in your body (sometimes up to 9meters long) and absorb the calories you eat.

Of course, technically this method will help to reduce weight, but at the same time, the worm will deprive your body of vital nutrients, and, ultimately, it can kill you. Just imagine that a nine-meter disgusting worm will live in your intestines.

Fletcherism

“America’s great chewer” Horace Fletcher was considered a luminary in the world of nutrition in the Victorian era. His diet consisted of chewing food (including liquids) thoroughly and for a long time – about 32 times for each piece. Then the chewed food had to be spit out. Fletcher argued that in this way our body will receive all the necessary nutrients without any calories. Imagine how annoying that was at parties. Henry James, Frank Kafka and Upton Sinclair practiced this method of losing weight. In support of his diet, Fletcher came up with the following slogan: “Nature will punish anyone who chews little.”

The diet became so popular that during Victorian soirées people timed themselves to make sure they chewed their food long enough.

But the strangest thing about this story was that Fletcher carried around with him a jar where he spit his chewed food to prove to others how great his method was and that the contents of the jar smelled of “freshly baked buns.”

Was this diet really effective? Of course, it was, given that you actually did not eat anything.

The Art of Living Long (and Unhappily)

Probably the very first weight loss book in the history of dietology, written by the Venetian merchant Luigi Cornaro, who, as a result of gluttony, gained excess weight and developed his own system leading to “loss weight and longevity”. To get rid of the hated kilograms, those who wished had to eat only one egg yolk a day.

Today such a diet would lead to anorexia. However, in those days, Luigi’s book was a great success. Luigi Cornaro lived to 90 years old, apparently eating one egg yolk.

Was this diet effective? In terms of weight loss – no doubt, but in terms of longevity – a controversial issue, because. in the literal sense of the word, starving yourself is not the best solution for losing weight.

Meat Scrap Diet

Back in the 70s of the last century, a doctor named Robert Lynn invented the diet, which he called “Last Chance”. The essence of this diet was to drink a liquid nutritional supplement called Prolinn. The supplement contained only 400 calories and was consumed once a day. Such a cocktail consisted of ground hooves, horns, skins, bones, tendons and other offal from the slaughterhouse, flavored with artificial flavors, dyes and enzymes. This diet had a lot of fans, until, one day, people began to die from heart attacks.

Arsenic

The Victorians were crazy about arsenic. They added it to almost everything – from face cream to diet pills. Apparently, arsenic was designed to speed up the metabolism in the body.

It’s hard to say whether this diet helped to lose weight, since the person sitting on it had every chance to play the box before he had time to feel the difference.

24 False Weight Loss Myths You Should Never Believe

It seems that since time immemorial, millions of people have tried countless dietary fads and followed the advice of so-called weight loss gurus. “I grew up watching my mother lay on a machine that rocked her buttocks and thighs back and forth, but no diet was required,” says Jackie Nugent, RDN, culinary nutritionist, author of The Clean and Simple Cookbook for Diabetes . “Oh, if only it were that easy! And no, it never worked, but my mom continued that evening ritual anyway.”

The urge to wear skinny jeans can lead us into questionable eating patterns. Here are a few outdated and sometimes outlandish weight loss myths. Don’t forget to subscribe to our mailing list to receive the latest weight loss news straight to your inbox.

1

Add Cabbage Soup

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The infamous Cabbage Soup allows dieters to eat cabbage soup throughout the day for one week, and on certain days you can add a few low-calorie foods (such as skimmed milk and vegetables). Users can shed up to ten pounds in seven days thanks to a meal plan that consists of water (possibly broth, depending on the recipe) and leafy green vegetables. The Mayo Clinic points to downsides such as fatigue due to lack of nutrition, muscle loss, and flatulence. Hard pass. Instead try one of these 29+ healthy metabolism recipes for weight loss.

2

Mix grapefruit with everything

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No matter what food you have on your plate, adding a slice of grapefruit (or grapefruit juice) to every meal has been one of the most popular weight loss strategies for decades. Back in 2004, a 12-week pilot study concluded that 100 obese volunteers who started each meal with half a grapefruit or one serving of grapefruit juice lost 3.3 to 3.6 pounds – that’s about one pound. per month for 90 servings. Sounds like the perfect plan for those who find grapefruit to complement any meal. If you want to give it a try, try these 20 Grapefruit Recipes for Weight Loss.

3

Lemonade Drink

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The first lemonade made famous by Beyonce, this diet plan involves sipping a mixture of water, lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper and eating at least 10 days. The official Master Cleanse website offers subscribers the 12 most common mistakes. Here’s one – try another ultra-fast “detox” regimen! Sorry Bey.

RELATED: Your guide to surviving restaurants and supermarkets is here!

4

Sleep the pounds off

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“The premise of the so-called ‘sleeping beauty diet’ of the 1960s was that you had to take sleeping pills to get a good night’s sleep,” says Nugent. “It was unusual and potentially harmful. In addition, your metabolism slows down when you are inactive.”

Michael J. Breus Ph.D., “Doctor of Sleep”, clinical psychologist, American Board of Sleep Medicine graduate and fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, agrees that this dietary fad, narcorrhexia, is worrying. “Using sedatives for weight loss – mostly while sleeping for part of the day when you might otherwise be eating – is unhealthy and downright dangerous,” he says. “Virtually there is no part of mental or physical health – from mood to cognition, immunity and cardiovascular system – that is not at risk due to these practices. ” However, Newgent adds that adequate and restful sleep – without pills – is essential for weight loss and overall well-being. Here are 40 ways to double your weight loss efforts.

5

Swallowing cotton balls

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The cotton ball diet, which includes eating five juice-soaked cotton balls, became a buzzword among teens (and rumored models) earlier this decade because it provides a feeling of satiety, according to ABC News. Needless to say, this strategy can lead to serious problems, from choking to developing an eating disorder. Here are 15 nutritionists that nutritionists hate.

6

Eat cookies all day

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Yes, since the 1970s, there have been many all-day weight loss plans on the market. It’s simple – replace your meal with prepackaged biscuits, which are usually fiber and/or protein (and maybe a few weird ingredients like beef protein hydrolysate). However, the not so pleasant side of this diet is the fact that there is no evidence to support its claims.

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Go Vegan

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Banning all animal products, including eggs and dairy products, is not the right way to achieve your weight loss goals. “Many people on a vegan diet develop insulin resistance and prediabetes and end up gaining fat more easily as a result of high carbohydrate food choices,” says Jessica Marcus, MS, RD, Sun Bay Area Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Francisco in California. ‘Think rice bowls, grains, legumes, bread, pasta – and let’s not forget Doritos and soda – are vegan, too.’

Markus adds that vegans and non-vegans alike can lose weight by eating nutrient-dense foods that balance blood sugar, promote satiety, and cut calories. To become a vegan or not to become a vegan? The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Plant-Based Dieting.

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Eat a tapeworm

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In 2013, a woman in Iowa swallowed a tapeworm in the hope that the parasite would eat her extra calories. Today . However, tapeworm diets are nothing new – for over 100 years people have turned to parasites for weight loss – however these worms (which can grow up to 30 feet in the digestive tract) can leave the dieter with anemia and dangerous infection. Oh, and female worms lay their eggs inside your body.

9

Stitch Your Tongue

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Some dieters prefer to surgically attach a solid mesh to their tongue. This is a weight loss procedure known as a tongue patch. “This ‘diet’ is pretty much a form of self-torture, where a painful band-aid is placed on the tongue that makes it impossible to eat solid food,” says Erin Palinsky-Wade, RD, CDE, author Diet with belly fat for dummies . Participants resort to an 800-calorie liquid food diet.

“A severe calorie deficit not only increases the likelihood of nutritional deficiencies and contributes to rapid muscle loss, which can slow metabolism – but is also unrealistic to maintain,” she says. And you will probably put on the pounds again after the patch is removed surgically. “This procedure is not FDA approved, is ultimately dangerous and I would never recommend it!”

10

Download fruit

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In the early 1980s, the Beverly Hills Diet (both plan and book) told dieters to eat only fruit for 10 days. Over the next nine days, small amounts of other foods could be added, but a special order and combination of foods was required. According to the author’s obituary published in The New York Times, Journal of the American Medical Association criticized the diet for its harmful inaccuracies.

Still curious? Check out our report, The Fruit Diet: Dangerous Health Risks You Should Be Aware of.

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Stop Eating Fruit

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And then there’s the anti-Beverly Hills diet that makes you avoid fruit at all costs. “That tip is still recycled, but it has been around for years,” says Francis Largeman-Roth, RDN, author of the upcoming Smoothies and Juices: Preventive Health Kitchen. Yes, fruits contain sugar – natural sugar, not added sugar.

“Added sugars [found in syrup, honey, and processed foods, called sucrose or dextrose among others] are the foods we need to cut back on for health,” she says. “Fruits provide natural energy, as well as disease-fighting antioxidants and fiber, making them a smart choice to include in any diet. ”

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Celery Juice

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The internet is flooded with celery juice cleansing diets – drinking this bright green drink for three/seven/ten days has been a detox buzzword. “If you have substituted celery juice for a sweet drink, this is undoubtedly the best choice,” Markus says. After all, celery (like other vegetables) is rich in nutrients. But even though these crunchy stalks contain potassium, vitamins A, C, K, and antioxidants, there is no evidence that celery juice on its own promotes weight loss.

“Juicing removes the fiber, and because the fiber and most add satiety, it’s best to eat the whole stem,” Markus says. “By the way, if you’re prone to kidney stones, you might want to avoid juicing because of the high oxalate content.”

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Live a Gluten-Free Lifestyle

If you’re on a standard American diet and decide to replace your “typical” breads, cereals, and pastries with a gluten-free version, don’t rely on your trouser size. “Almost everyone would benefit from cutting out many low-nutrient, processed foods that contain gluten, such as cookies, cakes, and crackers,” Markus says. But simply replacing these foods with gluten-free alternatives is not an effective weight loss strategy. In fact, many gluten-free processed foods contain more sugar and additives than regular versions. After all, a gluten-free cookie is still a cookie.”

What is a gluten-free diet? This is what you need to know.

14

Fast after workout

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“This advice was common in the 90s and it was thought that eating after a workout was a big mistake – what a load of rubbish!” says Largeman-Roth. “Today we know it’s important to fuel your body with a mixture of proteins, carbohydrates and healthy fats.” She goes on to explain that carbs replenish muscle glycogen stores used during exercise, protein helps repair small muscle tears, and fat increases satiety and adds flavor and enhances nutrient absorption.

‘A super convenient way to recuperate after a hard workout is to grab a protein bar like Clif Builders with 20 grams of wholesome plant-based protein,’ she says.

15

Treat Yourself to Ice Cream

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A closed organic ice cream shop in Venice, California advertised a four-day ice cream cleanser for weight loss. “Before you get too excited, the creators of this diet use raw vegan coconut and honey ice cream,” Palinsky-Wade says.

And purification tends to be counterproductive. “A person on a diet is likely to stop eating at the end due to deprivation,” she says. “Eating just one food, no matter what the food is, doesn’t mean a balanced diet – it actually increases the risk of nutritional deficiencies, hunger, cravings, and erratic eating.”

16

Eat less, move more

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At first glance, eating smaller meals and exercising more often usually results in a net calorie deficit, Markus explains. “But we do know that chronic hunger and nutrient deficiencies alter our metabolism and biochemistry, causing us to retain fat and break down muscle tissue,” she says. “And no amount of willpower can overcome the hormonal signals (like ghrelin) that our bodies send to make us seek and eat food. ” Marcus adds that a nutritionist can develop a nutrition plan based on your health, genetics, taste preferences, and lifestyle. Try one of our 20 Nutritious Post-Workout Recovery Recipes.

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Suck on a special candy

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Nugent recalls being in high school when a friend encouraged her to chew on a sweet treat to shed a few pounds – Ayds Reducing Plan Candy, an appetite suppressant that was available in five flavors: chocolate , mint chocolate, toffee, caramel and peanut butter. It is believed that one of the magical ingredients was benzocaine, an anesthetic and local anesthetic that was meant to numb the taste buds.

“I’ve actually tried the chocolate version (named sadly named) several times – mind you, this was long before I became a nutritionist,” she says. “I don’t remember it suppressing my appetite – I still wanted to try the very cheesy pizza. Taking any ingredients for this purpose is not the point of healthy lifelong weight management.”

18

Meat, meat and more

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The Carnivore Diet is exactly what it sounds like: a meal plan that includes only animal meat (hello, ribeye and burgers) with no plant foods in sight. Weight loss is possible due to a lack of carbohydrates, dairy products and semi-finished products. The review, written by a life scientist at McGill University, highlights a number of issues such as vitamin deficiencies, protein and uric acid overload, increased cancer risk, and high cholesterol. He summarized the plan in one sentence: “It’s a testosterone keto diet.”

That’s Exactly How Much Protein You Need in a Weight Loss Diet.

19

Colon Flush Coffee

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Some dieters turn to colon cleansing to get rid of excess bodily waste to shed extra pounds. Through a long tube inserted into the rectum, water enters the large intestine to flush it out. Coffee can be added to this solution (just ask Goop; the site sells a coffee enema for $135). However, colon lavage can lead to dehydration, infection, cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and/or ruptures in the area, and coffee enemas can even lead to death, according to the researchers. Mayo Clinic.

20

Get a Feeding Tube

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The KE Diet is a 10-day plan that involves inserting a feeding tube into the nose that provides a “very low-calorie, protein- and fat-rich solution. ” You should also carry a small pump and solution with you in a shoulder bag. “Feeding tubes are designed for patients who are physically unable to eat solid food for various reasons, such as a medical procedure or illness,” says Palinsky-Wade. “Not only can inserting a feeding tube carry significant health risks, such as aspiration and lung infections, but a very low-calorie diet is not sustainable.” She adds that this “plan” can lead to nutrient deficiencies and slow metabolism. “And that will most likely result in all the weight lost once the tube is removed and normal eating resumes.”

twenty-one

Try fertility drugs

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Lack of food + hormones = very bad “diet”. HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is called the hormone of pregnancy because it is produced by placental cells. American Pregnancy Association. This hormone (which is a prescription drug for infertility) has been added to some non-FDA-approved over-the-counter weight loss products. Mayo Clinic. The diet calls for no more than 800 calories a day, and reported side effects include electrolyte imbalances, irregular heartburn, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and the risk of blood clots. But here are the 4 best diet pills and dietary supplements of 2020: according to the experts.

22

Burn calories with ice

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At least this strategy is neither dangerous nor expensive. A New Jersey gastroenterologist has written a free e-book called Ice Diet , which promotes the theory that eating ice (“zero calorie food”) prompts the body to burn additional calories during digestion as the ice heats up to body temperature. explains Palinsky-Wade.

“The creator of this diet recommends that adults consume 1 liter of ice per day (no more), which is about the size of a frozen Slurpee drink,” she says. “While it’s doable, and the concept has proven to be a powerful way to increase metabolism, the calories burned will likely add up to only a few extra pounds per year.” Her suggestion: nibble on shaved ice. “Don’t chew on an ice cube as it can break your teeth and cause dental problems.”

2. 3

Eat everything without fat

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When convenience foods of choice—cookies, chips, cheese, coffee creamer—turned into fat-free treats in the 1990s, dieters and conscientious eaters believed that their prayers were answered. “There was ‘only’ one problem – these low-fat foods had to increase their sugar and sodium content in order to be tasty, so this fad didn’t help Americans lose weight,” says Largeman-Roth. “The truth is, we need fat in our diet to feel satisfied after eating. In addition, fat is essential for the absorption of essential nutrients, including vitamins A, D, E, and K. ‘

Here’s the really good news: fat doesn’t make you fat. “Eating patterns that include healthy (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) fats – walnuts, avocados, oily fish, and olive oil – can help people achieve a healthy weight while providing more satisfaction than low-fat meals.”

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Fill Yourself with Breakfast / Skip Breakfast

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Believe it or not, research shows that both of these strategies can lead to weight loss. A 2020 Study published at Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism showed that those who ate a hearty breakfast burned more than twice as many calories as people who ate a more hearty lunch.